Rainfall levels are a quarter below normal with truckers struggling to meet demand.

Bermuda Weather Service meteorological forecaster Geoffrey Saville said: "By this time of year the average levels are around 19.22 inches, however so far this year, the level is only 14.03 inches." Mr. Saville said the five-inch shortfall "is not classified as a drought".

Demand for water services has increased Island-wide in recent weeks and truckers are complaining of the difficulty in meeting requests and limited Government supply. One water service trucker reported a waiting list of two days.

The owner of Triton Water Service, who asked not to be named, said: "I have noticed a significant increase in the last three to four weeks. This has been a problem with the Government water plant, which can't keep up with the demand and are closing early. They only have one automated machine so truckers are waiting in a long line.

"Many truckers are frustrated and fed up and it's not even summer yet," he continued. "Sometimes I'm on the road for 12 to13 hours and only deliver ten loads. And I have a waiting list for two days. Even new truckers with hardly any clientele are busy so you know there's an issue."

One water service trucker said shortages were forcing night staff to make trips to water plants far from where they usually refuel.

Jennifer DeSilva, of WaterNow Water Service, said: "We usually are so busy that we have only been able to service those who are completely out of water and most times it's usually one load.

"We usually get our water from Port Royal and they are closing early so our night staff have to go into town to get water, which is delaying service to our customers in general.

"Due to the lack of rain the demand for water has heightened in the last two weeks."

Every water service The Royal Gazette contacted confirmed there was a water shortage issue, but not all said they were having problems getting water.

According to Matthew White, his company has been able to service all its customers so far. "Yes there has been and increase in business, due to the lack of rain. It's [nearing] summertime so water consumption naturally increases."

He added: "My supplier is pretty much available. I service Hamilton Parish, St. George's and St. David's and I have been able to service all of my customers."

Mr. Saville offered the following advice to residents concerned about depleting water levels.

"Water conservation is the tip. Do not run the water unnecessarily. Take showers instead of baths and do not flush the toilets unnecessarily.

"I learned a little trick to help conserve water during flushing," he said. "Place a bottle of water in your toilet tank, when you flush the toilet, it will use up less water, so you save the amount of water that is replaced by the bottle."

Government did not comment.